/ Real Earnings Index / Upwork
Upwork
Freelance Professional · Bid-based marketplace, 10% flat take rate (2023+)
C+
Mixed (C+) — Real Earnings Grade
The largest publicly traded freelance marketplace in the U.S. The 2023 simplification to a flat 10% take rate improved transparency materially, but project-classification, dispute resolution, and the long history of Connects-based bid pricing continue to drive complaints. Strong on contract scale; mixed on freelancer experience.
67
Composite / 100
Where this grade comes from.
Take Rate Transparency
B-
Worker Protection
C
Payment Reliability
B
Talent Vetting
C+
Real Earnings
C
Key events & disclosures.
- Flat 10% freelancer take rate adopted 2023 (down from variable 5-20%)
- UPWK NASDAQ public; quarterly disclosure standard
- Multiple class actions: Connects pricing structure (2021-2023, settled)
- CFPB freelancer-payment disputes — moderate volume
/ Best for
Established freelancers with strong portfolios and clear specializations who can win contracts above $500.
/ Watch out for
Connects (bid currency) costs add up materially for new freelancers. Beginning-tier freelancers compete in a race-to-bottom price segment that produces low earnings per hour.